Instagram shares recommendations for creators to optimize their posts.
Here is how the company wants you to use the platform.
Instagram has introduced a new tool called "best practices" that aims to guide content creators, businesses, and other users on how to effectively post on the platform. This best practices center is available for professional accounts and can be accessed through the professional dashboard.
The feature is presented as an educational resource designed to help creators generate engaging content. This space offers advice on the creation, distribution, and monetization of videos and photos. Some recommendations are quite general, such as “track long-term follower growth” and “post consistently.” However, other suggestions are more specific and may reflect Instagram's corporate priorities, such as the warning that Reels lasting longer than 90 seconds will not be recommended to new users, which limits content discovery. This focus on short videos aligns with previous statements made by Adam Mosseri, the head of the platform.
On one hand, it’s helpful for creators to receive direct guidance from the platform on how to optimize their reach, as they have spent over ten years trying to decipher the algorithm to increase engagement. However, this increased availability of recommendations can create a pressure situation, where creators feel the need to adapt to what Instagram prefers, or else their content may not reach their audience.
During this summer, Instagram informed creators that "views" have become the primary performance metric on the platform, emphasizing its importance for users to understand the effectiveness of their content. Another key indicator affecting visibility is how frequently audiences share the content. Mosseri also advises creators not to overly strive to create eye-catching and shareable content. This is an aspect to consider for those looking to stand out in the digital environment.
